From the Richmond Whig, 9/10/1861

“ROCK BATTLE.” - From time immemorial the boys in Adams
Valley, (popularly known as “Butchertown,”) and those residing on the north
side of Shockoe Hill, have engaged, every successive summer, in “rock
battles,” rallying under the distinctive titles of “Butcher Cats” and
“Hill Cats.” Within the last few years, the majority of the respectable
white boys, among the former, have so far been convinced of the discreditable
character of these conflicts as to leave them chiefly to negro lads on their
side; though a goodly number, influenced by the excitement of the mimic warfare,
have participated in the “battles” which have taken place within the past
few weeks. Last Sunday afternoon the contending parties waged a fierce contest
on Navy Hill, about one hundred boys being engaged on each side. - Stones and
other missiles flew as thick, almost, as the Minie balls at the battle of
Manassas, and it is wonderful that some of the belligerents were not maimed or
seriously hurt. The progress of the fight was fortunately arrested by the timely
arrival of officer, Chalkley, Seal, Davis, Quarles and Crone, in one direction,
and officers Pleasants, Perria and others, in an opposite direction. At the
sight of the police, the boys fled the field, but all of them did not make their
escape. Six white boys and ten negro boys were captured and taken to the station
house. The former were eventually bailed out; but the others were detained until
next morning, when they were conducted to the presence of the Mayor. The parents
of the white boys were fined $1 each, and admonished that a repetition of the
offence would involve a heavier fine. The little darkies were ordered to be
switched.